Instech London Podcast

HDI TH!NX was founded in 2019 by Verena Brenner, initially operating within the German insurer HDI Global, as an incubator for IIoT solutions.  Now providing software to support risk management applications for insurers and insurance clients, tune in to hear Verena discuss the mechanics behind founding a startup within an insurer and the company’s development in providing varying solutions for their customers. Key talking points include: Why HDI TH!NX was launched - from a PhD in global supply chains to utilising the impact of IIoT solutions The centrality of the customer Advice for launching a startup - innovation is not a hobby Growing into the ESG space - evolution in the company’s direction Helping insurers understand their risk better If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Dr Verena Brenner or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Pr

How would your clients describe you?  This week on the podcast we have taken a slightly different approach and brought Previsico’s clients, Zurich Muncipal and Donaldson Timber, to discuss how Previsico has helped them with flood risk management. Previsico provides real-time flood forecasts, as part of its mission to reduce global flooding impact, by developing technologies that offer early warning systems for surface water flooding. Discover the importance of collaboration by hearing from Dr Avi Baruch and his work with Allison Whittington at Zurich Municipal and Mark Murphy at Donaldson Timber. Key talking points: The start of Previsico: a PhD research project  Client Insights: Zurich Municipal's approach to flood resilience Exploring the impact of floods and the importance of early warning systems The role of insurance in flood risk management and resilience building Operational challenges and solutions in flood risk management Exploring the complexities of Sustainability and ESG Commitments The role of in

Groundwater flooding poses a great risk to properties in the UK but remains much less widely modelled than other types of flooding.  This week, Matthew Grant caught up with Mark Fermor at GeoSmart, a company specializing in flood data analytics in the UK. They discuss GeoSmart's role in providing detailed flood risk assessments, leveraging their advanced modelling tools that cover all sources of flooding and how they are helping other organisations access and understand open-source data. Key talking points: Discovering the hidden cause of flood risk What problems are GeoSmart helping insurers to solve Different ways to experience a flood The issue of groundwater beyond the UK Open-source data - how GeoSmart can help If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast E

PwC’s Chris Temple and Christine Brogan join Matthew Grant to discuss transformation in insurance, specifically steering organizations towards achieving their ESG goals.  The conversation covers the role of technology and AI in driving change in insurance as well as building resilient business models for the future. This episode is a great introduction to how ESG operates in the financial sector and how transformation in insurance is made possible through collaboration. Key talking points: Understanding ESG - what are the main priorities business need to consider to be successful in the future Transforming insurance - how AI can help The importance of strategy driven by data How the Life Insurance sector got it right Balancing commercial gain with progress Defining “baseline” - current carbon output The biggest driver of innovation is regulation FSTE 100 and sustainability Our upcoming Investor Networking event sponsored by PwC For more information, please see the following PwC reports: PwC UK 2024 Energy Su

“This economy we are heading into [...] we are referring to as the decision economy”.  Robin Merttens spoke to Tom Wilde, CEO of Indico Data on how the company's intelligent intake solution is shaping the decision-making process in the insurance industry by structuring unstructured data.  Data is important in our current 'decision economy'. Indico Data applies generative AI to help insurance companies handle complex and high-volume data challenges, particularly in commercial and specialty lines.  Covering the AI hype cycle, the concept of hallucinations and avoiding hyperbole, tune in to hear Tom Wilde discuss generative AI and why it is an important language for insurers to utilise. Key talking points: Founded by undergraduates - how Indico Data started In the hype cycle - avoiding hyperbole and thinking rationally Defining generative AI - not an application but a language Indico Data's role in the insurance industry - the data problem Programmed with the user in mind Specialising in commercial insurance Ind

Arturo is a property intelligence company which combines multispectral imagery, geographic data and customer portfolio insights with machine learning models in a single platform. A lot has developed in property intelligence since we last spoke to Arturo on the podcast. Matthew Grant caught up with CEO Marty Smuin about how generative AI is adding a new dimension to property analysis. Arturo knows that it is expensive to be wrong in insurance. Find out how Arturo is aiming to tackle relying on outdated public records, incomplete tax assessor data and more in this episode. Key talking points include: Using third-party data to reveal greater insights Driving innovation - Smuin’s background in technology Partnering with Suncorp in Australia  The power of high-resolution data in underwriting property - how Arturo is tapping into new sources of data The impact of generative AI on property risk assessment For more information on Arturo and how they can help, you find more information about the platform here and rea

Robin Merttens is joined by CEO and President of Verisk Specialty Business Solutions (VSBS), Tim Rayner. The discussion covers VSBS’s acquisitions such as Rulebook and Whitespace for a broader digital ecosystem, and the challenges of decision-making and procurement in the London market.  Key talking point: Growth and opportunities in the specialty market Acquisitions and the role of Whitespace and Rulebook The impact of London Market modernisation on Verisk The importance of providing solutions rather than products A challenge to the market to innovate If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening,

Since its start in 2001, the insurance platform provider Guidewire has grown to be used by more than 540 insurers in 40 countries. Guidewire's President and Chief Revenue Officer, John Mullen, spoke to Matthew Grant about the company's journey as it continues to grow, the climate of the insurance industry and what are the driving forces of innovation in the company. Key talking points: Why standardisation of critical functions is important in the upcoming year How insurers can find ways of being innovative Collaboration - working with other corporates The value of experimentation Supporting InsTech’s New York Event in March If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episod

In this mid-week special, Matthew Grant speaks to Adrian Coupland at Earnix, a software provider to global insurers and banks. They discuss how the nature of risk in the insurance industry is rapidly changing, presenting new challenges in areas like motor pricing and supply chain management. The podcast ends with a discussion about Earnix's new product 'Underwrite-It' aimed at changing the underwriting process. Key talking points: What challenges are Earnix solving for the insurance industry Changes to the auto insurance sector - increasing repair costs and the impact of pricing regulation Underwrite-ItTM - an automated underwriting platform If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Professional Development This InsT

After the popularity of our first episode, InsTech is back with another analysis of what happened in insurance in the past month.  If you are curious to know what is going on behind the news items you read about in insurance or technology - we’re bringing together experts, founders, insurers and some well know figures to tell us the news items that are capturing their attention – and why. Matthew Grant CEO of InsTech is once again joined by Nigel Walsh, Managing Director, Insurance, Google Cloud US, alongside Martha Notaras, Managing Partner at Brewer Lane Ventures and Charlotte Halkett, Senior Consultant at Milliman.  In addition to this week’s discussion, we have a special feature with the Co-founder and CEO of hyperexponential ​Amrit Santhirasenan as he discusses with Matthew the completion of their Series B funding round.  The news we’re discussing this week: Raising $73 million USD: record funding for hyperexponential in Series B Kicking up a storm - how is property insurance changing as a result of cli

In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Sarah Woolliscroft, Group Head of Operations & TPA and Wayne Calderbank, Group Data and Performance Director at Claims Consortium Group (CCG) for an exploration of the importance of technology in the claims industry and CCG's journey into the world of artificial intelligence. Synergy originated as a solution developed internally by CCG to enhance its claims management processes but has evolved since its launch into a platform that streamlines the claims handling process to support customer service and business performance. Key Talking Points Include: The role of technology in the claims industry The significance of passion and shared goals within an organisation How measurable goals and targets within a platform can add value The benefit of understanding the nuances of customer communication Where Synergy is focusing its AI efforts next If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn

This week James Orchard, CEO of QBE Ventures, joins the podcast and discusses the shift in insurers' appetite for innovation, partnerships with startups, and the importance of collaboration in achieving strategic goals.  The conversation covers how QBE Ventures is making strides in data and AI, resilience, and growth in emerging markets, with interesting prospects for cyber coverage and embedded insurance. James also reveals his predictions for 2024, foreseeing consolidation and challenges in investment as well as a focus on AI and strategic partnerships.  An immensely packed episode, for everyone curious about how investing and insurance intersect. Key talking points: Exploring QBE Ventures and its investment strategy The strategy and focus of QBE Ventures The challenges and opportunities in the insurtech space How QBE can become a start-up partner Using AI for resilience  What QBE looks for - the culture of collaboration Coalition of the willing  Predictions and expectations for 2024 in insurtech As well a

This week, we return with Henry Gale as he caught up with Garrett Koehn, President of CRC Brokerage, and Gordon Wintrob, Co-founder and CTO of Newfront. The discussion covers the potential of generative AI for insurance brokers, with real-world examples of brokers using AI right now. Garrett and Gordon talk about how generative AI can improve the customer experience and discuss which AI solutions are better to build or buy.  Listen to this episode to find out more about how “we are all going to become tech companies”. Talking points include: Exploring the use of AI in insurance brokerage - real-world examples Using AI to direct risks to the underwriters most likely to write it How brokers using generative AI helps underwriters Using AI to spot gaps in coverage from contracts with insurance requirements The future of jobs in the insurance industry - supercharge your professionals Updates on insurance and AI start-ups you should know If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platfo

Cognizant is a global professional services company helping companies across different industries with generative AI.  Henry Gale is joined this week by Colville Wood, Chief Technology Officer for Insurance (UK&I and EMEA) and David Fearne, Global Director of Generative AI at Cognizant. The discussion covers how Generative AI has the potential to automate manual tasks, optimize processes, and provide valuable insights for underwriters in the insurance industry. Cognizant encourages companies to start exploring the possibilities of generative AI and see how it can improve their operations. Key talking points include: Generative AI in the workplace - accelerator and assistant Data, privacy and security considerations  Helping underwriters do their work better The key to successful implementation is balance If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesd

In our first podcast of 2024, Jamie Crystal, CEO of MIC Global, discusses with Matthew Grant their aim to close the insurance protection gaps by offering insurance products tailored to the needs of underserved individuals, including income protection, identity theft protection, and incident coverage.  MIC uses a business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) model and all of its products are embedded within other platforms or services. MIC offers insurance products in various forms including embedded insurance methods, aiming to make the process simpler and more relevant to everyday life. Crystal highlights the company’s partnerships with brokers, digital platforms, and other insurance companies to distribute their coverage. The need for these products is global, Crystal insists, and not limited to specific demographics or regions. Key Talking Points Include: Understanding the concept of microinsurance The problem MIC is solving - access to affordable products The role of embedded insurance The future of MIC and th

The InsTech team is taking a break and we’ve outsourced this week’s short podcast to ChatGPT. But fear not - humans will be back in the loop next week. Interested to find out more about how insurers are using AI. Sign up to our Generative AI newsletter here.  If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co

This Christmas Eve, we bring to you our last Partners’ Chat of the year. Robin Merttens and Matthew Grant reflect on the year and the developments we’ve seen in insurance, particularly those set to define the industry in the next year. As always there are things to celebrate, and some things to be grumpy about. Talking points include: Our increasing understanding of what can or cannot be automated M&A and MGAs - how they fared this year Recognition of interdependence in insurance War exclusions - what are they and why were they relevant in 2023? The data in the hands of risk managers - how can we use it? What to do when there is no capacity available Love for wines If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more about InsTech, our membership and offerings visit www.instech.co or contact us hello@instech.co Continuing Profes

Instabase offers technology solutions to extract information from unstructured data and automate processes. This week Matthew Grant speaks with Bas de Goei, Director of Growth Marketing at Instabase about how generative AI is helping the insurance industry tackle its pain points, and specifically “give people time back to do things that are uniquely human”.  To find out more about how Instabase can specifically help you, visit the AI Hub where you can trial various data extractions from your own documents. Key talking points: Upside down startup - the beginning of Instabase and its journey in insurance The proof is in the statistics - listen to Instabase’s case examples. Why democratising automation is important. Where will generative AI go next? The potential for collaboration. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. To find out more a

This week we hand over the mic to Robin Merttens as he talks to James Gillespie, Head of Pricing, and Grant Dewar, Client Services Director at Aon’s Strategy and Technology Group (STG). In this episode, they discuss the evolution of Aon STG in the 18 months since it was created, what has been learned and what clients are seeking. It goes on to describe the body of services and resources it is building and the scale of its ambitions. Key talking points include: How the role of insurance brokers is changing The development of the Aon STG ecosystem and plans for that What the data model of the future looks like and how a conjoined approach through the whole value chain could transform insurance The strength of what Aon can offer when the brokerage and STG join forces How the size of the group has attracted new business, not deterred prospects Nostalgia for 70’s prog rock music, art and design Why everyone should do Lego in their spare time If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever

We’re piloting a new style of podcast this week and borrowing the InsTech podcast channel to test this out.  If you are wondering what is going on behind the news items you read about in insurance or technology then this new podcast is for you. We’re bringing together experts, founders, insurers and some well know figures to tell us the news items that are capturing their attention - and why.  Matthew Grant CEO of InsTech is joined face to face in London by fellow podcasting enthusiast Nigel Walsh, Managing Director, Insurance, Google Cloud US, James Birch, Development Director at Ki Insurance and Bijal Patel, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Aurora Insurance.   And we’ve got more. This week we have an interview with the CEO of Ki Insurance Mark Allan, a listener question and a chance to hear our hosts and guests predictions for 2024. The news we’re discussing this week is: Ki insurance new capacity partners Travelers and Aspen Why the range of loss estimates from Hurricane Otis is so high Howden Grou